Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 402.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Behavioral reactivity in Rhesus monkeys: effects of aging, gender and ovariectomy. |
| Authors: |
Neuringer, M.*1
; Gold, J.1
; Landauer, N.1
; Kohama, S. G.1
1Div. of Neurosci., Oregon Natl. Primate Res. Ctr., Oregon Hlth. & Sci. Univ., Beaverton, OR |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Motivation and Emotion |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions<br />- Aging<br />-- Other |
| Session: |
402. Sex & Reproductive Behavior Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, November 10, 2003 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # P7 |
| Keywords: | SEX DIFFERENCES, EMOTION, AGGRESSION, STEROID HORMONES |
Negative emotional changes that sometimes occur during aging are inherently important for quality of life and also may influence cognitive performance. Studies of the neuroscience of aging are increasingly focusing on affective changes and their interactions with cognition. Therefore it is of interest to examine the differential patterns of change of cognitive performance and emotional responsiveness with age and their interaction with gender and steroid hormone status.
We assessed behavioral reactivity of rhesus monkeys with a home-cage test that scored reactions to a series of 6 objects and 6 social stimuli. The test was a modification of one shown to be sensitive to limbic system damage (Zola-Morgan and Squire, Hippocampus 1:207,1991).
We previously reported that older female rhesus monkeys showed increased reactivity to social stimuli compared with young females or with males of either age group (SFN 2001). We now have completed assessment of 30 males (18 old, 18-32 years, and 12 young, 6-15 years) and 73 females, both intact (37 old, 18-25 years, and 21 young, 7-15 years) and ovariectomized (7 old, 8 young). This series again demonstrated significantly higher reactivity to social stimuli in older intact females (p=0.0002), primarily in the form of increased aggressiveness. Furthermore, the reactivity of young ovariectomized females was increased compared with young intact females (p=0.01) and was comparable to that of older intact or ovariectomized females. These effects were not found for responsiveness to nonsocial stimuli.
Thus, aging and loss of ovarian hormones had similar effects on responses to social stimuli in female rhesus monkeys. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that alterations in ovarian steroids contribute to the effects of aging on emotional responsiveness in social situations.
We assessed behavioral reactivity of rhesus monkeys with a home-cage test that scored reactions to a series of 6 objects and 6 social stimuli. The test was a modification of one shown to be sensitive to limbic system damage (Zola-Morgan and Squire, Hippocampus 1:207,1991).
We previously reported that older female rhesus monkeys showed increased reactivity to social stimuli compared with young females or with males of either age group (SFN 2001). We now have completed assessment of 30 males (18 old, 18-32 years, and 12 young, 6-15 years) and 73 females, both intact (37 old, 18-25 years, and 21 young, 7-15 years) and ovariectomized (7 old, 8 young). This series again demonstrated significantly higher reactivity to social stimuli in older intact females (p=0.0002), primarily in the form of increased aggressiveness. Furthermore, the reactivity of young ovariectomized females was increased compared with young intact females (p=0.01) and was comparable to that of older intact or ovariectomized females. These effects were not found for responsiveness to nonsocial stimuli.
Thus, aging and loss of ovarian hormones had similar effects on responses to social stimuli in female rhesus monkeys. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that alterations in ovarian steroids contribute to the effects of aging on emotional responsiveness in social situations.
Supported by ONPRC nonfederal institutional funds; RR-00163; AG-19100
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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